Is the air quality good in Warsaw?
As of January 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM Pacific Time (PT), Warsaw, Poland is experiencing poor air quality due to regional emissions and stagnant weather. The AQI is 146, classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
These conditions may increase the risk of respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions.
To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Warsaw's air quality map.
While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, with PM2.5 at 53.7 µg/m³ (10.74 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³), it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Warsaw was 13.4 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 52, which falls into the moderate category and was 2.68 times the WHO annual guideline.
Warsaw, Poland, ranked as the 13th most polluted major city globally as of January 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Warsaw?
The hourly forecast suggests that air quality is projected to improve gradually over the next few hours, with AQI potentially dipping into the moderate range as winds pick up and disperse pollutants.
Hourly air quality forecast for Warsaw, Poland, as of January 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
The daily forecast suggests that air quality in Warsaw generally remains in the “good” to “moderate,” range, but for today, it has spiked to the “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” range.
Daily air quality forecast for Warsaw, Poland, for the last 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Warsaw, Poland, as of January 5, 2026, at 9:00 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Warsaw?
Warsaw’s pollution is driven by multiple factors. Residential heating systems that use coal, wood, or solid fuels contribute large amounts of fine particulate pollution, especially when temperatures drop and demand for heating rises.
Road traffic emissions from cars and older vehicles add nitrogen oxides and particulates to the urban air. Winter weather often creates stable atmospheric layers that trap these emissions near the ground, worsening smog conditions (1).
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
